Need Help finding information on Sato family

His father's name is something like Masao or Masozo Sato born about 1865 and lived in NY. We were told by many family members that Masao(?) was from a royal or noble family but that's all they knew. He came over here in the 1890's but have not found the record yet. He did own a large piece of land in NY when he settled here, but lost it somehow to the state. A friend that is from China said that the first name can actually give you the town of origin and then the house, but I would like to find out everything I can: his ancestors, his correct spelling, if there is a crest, any siblings, etc. If anyone can help, I would greatly appreciate it.